There is a problem that is overlooked in business today – and cyber criminals know it. Our management teams trust each other so implicitly that we tend to dismiss the need for internal cybersecurity controls. We often settle for traditional locks on the parameter so that operations can run without disruption on the inside.

The great irony is that this internal trust is the very thing that makes us vulnerable to exploitation. The lack of controls allows criminals to pose as insiders for months before detection, exposing every organization in the supply chain – from small, third-party suppliers to enterprise clients – to incredible risk.

It is no longer enough for companies to make cyber security decisions according to their own needs. In this era of technology-dependent infrastructure and a globally-connected economy, the controls of each company impact not only its own security but the security of every surrounding individual and organization. Our stand against cyber theft as a business community is dependent on our level of mindfulness about others’ corporate data. This is why your leadership matters today.

The Houston Cyber Summit is a forum designed for boards of Directors, CEOs, the C-suite, and other business leaders to build trust, collaborate and exchange best practices on cyber security. More than 60 multisector expert speakers, panels, case studies and frameworks will show the way to protecting and reinforcing our businesses with a proactive cybersecurity strategy that aligns with the business strategy. The Houston Cyber Summit is produced by Cyber Houston and The Greater Houston Cybersecurity Council, both of which are committed to assisting businesses of all sizes in preparing, identifying and responding to incidents.

We invite you today to take a stand with us against cyber theft. Whether your sector is energy, health care, legal, banking/financial services, education, retail, insurance, human resources, information technology or the public, the goal is no longer to simply protect ourselves and survive. Our mission is to thrive as a resilient business community.